Graduated from Higher Air Force School Soviet Air Force test pilot. Buran test pilot, 1978-1987. Cosmonaut training January 1979 - November 1980. Flew six test flights with AeroBuran. Retired from the military on 29 December 1993 . Lost both legs in the 8 October 1996 crash landing of an An-124 in Turin, Italy.

Soyuz Buran Support Crew: Bachurin, Ivanchenkov. Planned Soyuz flight to Mir. Main purpose was to provide spaceflight experience to Bachurin and Borodai, who had been selected as back-up crew of the first manned Buran flight. Cancelled in cut-backs after fall of the Soviet Union. Backup crew: Borodai, Balandin. More...